The words “ran when parked” are enough to gladden the hearts of many classic car enthusiasts. For others, it sends a shiver down their spine. That is the story behind this 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina. Judging by the heavy layer of dust that it now wears, it appears that it has been many years since the owner drove the Pontiac into this shed. The Catalina has been dragged out of hiding, and it is now set to head to a new home. It is located in Palm Coast, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the sale price at $9,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Nate for spotting the Chieftain for us.
Below that heavy layer of dust, the Chieftain appears to be finished in the attractive combination of Rangoon Red and Graystone White. The thing that becomes apparent when you look at the supplied photos is that while there are some obvious signs of surface corrosion, there is little in the way of penetrating rust. There might be some around the rear wheel opening on the passenger side, but the prone lower extremities and the area around the rear window all show promise. The owner provides no information on the floors or frame, so this potential project might require an in-person inspection. The panels look pretty straight, with no evidence of anything beyond a few minor dings and bruises. Someone has removed a lot of the trim and chrome, but with the trunk and the back seat containing piles of parts, I wouldn’t be surprised if everything is present. The glass appears to be in good order and taken at face value, this is a restoration project that shows some promise.
Turning our attention to the interior, and the first thing to note is that the clock and the bright trim pieces are missing from the dash. Once again, there are plenty of parts in the back seat, so these may be there. The seats will require new covers, and the door trims and remaining upholstered surfaces generally look tired. The surprise packet is the headliner, which looks like it might respond positively to a deep clean. I don’t think that the carpet is original, but given its respectable condition and its match with the paint, it could stay after the buyer treats it to a bit of a scrub. The plated trim pieces appear to be in good order, while the dash still houses its original pushbutton AM radio.
The owner doesn’t supply any engine photos, but the engine bay should house the 370 ci V8 and a 4-speed Hydramatic transmission if everything is numbers-matching. This V8 would’ve produced 270hp when it was new, allowing the Catalina to storm the ¼ mile in 16.9 seconds. Given enough space, this Pontiac would’ve run out of breath at around 117mph. In 1958, both of those figures were considered mighty impressive. The owner says that the Catalina ran when parked, but judging by the layer of dust that the vehicle wears, it was parked many years (or possibly decades) ago. However, the owner states that the V8 does turn freely, so it might be possible to coax it back to life without spending a fortune.
As a project car, this 1958 Pontiac Chieftain Catalina shows a lot of promise. It is also a significant vehicle because it marked the final year that the Catalina was considered as a trim level, rather than a model in its own right. If the car is as rust-free as the photos would seem to suggest, it could represent a straightforward restoration project that the next owner could potentially tackle in a home workshop. The harsh reality is that the owner will probably need to be willing to undertake at least some of the work themselves if it is to remain financially viable. Values have remained pretty stagnant in recent years, and even a pristine example struggles to top $35,000 in today’s market. However, if you are adept at swinging a spanner and wielding a spray gun, this Pontiac might be worth a closer look.
Hmm looks like the passenger rear quarter has sheet metal tacked over it and rust along the rocker above the lake pipes. And who takes photos of the front seat with the trailer ramps on top of the seats that is really laziness love the wrap around rear window
Is it wearing header stops?
Sure looks that way
What are header stops?
Sure looks that way
Some may remember ( or tire) of my story about my neighbor as a kid, had a ’58 Bonneville like this, only blue and white coves. It had the original fuel injection, with a script on the fender . Of course, we had no idea what that meant, but the car was the absolute sharpest car on the block. While late 50’s GM anythings are highly sought after, because of their outlandish style, seems a bit much for a starting point, I’d have to think for a bit more, you can have a nice one. I’ve said many times, I just don’t know what the future holds for these projects that need everything. Chrome alone, of which there is a literal ton, will cost a fortune alone, if anyone even does it anymore. Too bad, they were such nice cars.
I remember seeing a solid red one. Had 3 dueces on it. It sat on the car lot a good while . Don,t know whatever happened to it. They also had a junk yard about 3 miles away,but I never saw it their. Yes the chrome would be costly to get re-done alone,but if it was mine. I ,d have to do it. It really set those cars off. Like the Chevrolet Impala,s Nice -sharp looking cars . I,d like to have it. Something to do.If the frame is good. The price would seem fair,but the transportation cost now is also getting high. That is what,s hurting the sale of them now. People have to consider that. I like it.
Howard, if you want a hot rod on the cheap, but can’t afford the extra for the chrome or high end paint all you need to do is pull the drivetrain & pop the glass before a complete sandblasting inside and out.
Then you hit all the sandblasted chrome bumpers & body trim with high build flat black primer.
Two coats of high build inside & out, let dry, dump back in drivetrain, and put the glass back in.
Off to the show n’ shine for first prize rat rod.
One does not have to chrome new again. You’re right that it is too expensive.
That’s why God invented high build primer & sandblasting pressure pots with diesel compressors don’t ya’ know.
Bob
Let’s see, $9000 plus shipping, say $1000, then ballpark restoration by someone else, not owner. $40-$50k, we are at $60ish. You think its worth $35k so SPECTACULAR PURCHASE! And awesome experience and kool car? I’d say you had AT LEAST $30K FUN ALREADY and haven’t even gone for a ride. That makes you a WINNER!!
Such a cool car – but $9000 for a non-running car that needs a total restoration? The seller must be joking. It looks like he just picked it up with his car trailer. He probably got it for $100. That said – it is a beautiful body style and will be really nice if someone does restore it!
A friend has 4 -58 pontiacs in a barn, looking to sell all.
I see over spray on the rear side windows and everything else. 4 K if it sparks off and runs for a second. But yeah go ahead and price it so it is sale proof.
I can’t tell, did somebody glue a caddy bullet tail light to each one of the standard tail lenses ?
Better to restore the more desirable Bonneville, cost about the same but end up with a fancier interior & a more valuable car.